After a disappointing end in the previous edition, five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians were humbled by Faf du Plessis’ Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2023 opener, who outplayed them in both departments to win by eight wickets.
Despite posting a stiff 171/7 on the board, the Mumbai attack looked completely ineffective against Virat Kohli and Du Plessis, who added 148 runs in 14.5 overs for the opening wicket. Ensuring they don’t fall behind in the chase, the pair added 53 runs in the powerplay overs and took the score beyond 100 inside 11 overs. The carnage continued until Arshad Khan provided Mumbai with the first breakthrough in the 15th over. Cameron Green then provided Mumbai with a second wicket but it hardly mattered as RCB completed the 172-run chase with 3.4 overs to spare.
The lackluster effort by Mumbai bowlers, especially the seamers, put Rohit in a spot where he was asked the inevitable question of how much of a void does Jasprit Bumrah’s absence leave in his side’s bowling strength.
Rohit insisted that Mumbai shouldn’t “dwell” on it, before adding that someone “needs to step up”. The Mumbai skipper also said that he’s now used to this situation having missed Bumrah’s services during major ICC events last year (Asia Cup and T20 World Cup).
“From the last six to eight months I am used to playing without Jasprit Bumrah. Of course this is a different setup but someone needs to put their hand up and step up. We can’t keep dwelling on it. Injuries are not in our control, we can’t do much about it. The other guys in the setup are quite talented as well. We need to give them that support,” said Rohit during the post match presentation ceremony.
Bumrah has been out of action due to a back injury and has also been ruled out of IPL 2023. Mumbai Indians have roped in Sandeep Warrier as replacement for Bumrah for this edition. Bumrah was Mumbai’s leading wicket-taker in the previous edition and his services were clearly missed at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.
